Microsoft Windows boss Steven Sinofsky quits company.

Immediate departure of head of Microsoft Windows comes just two weeks after launch of Windows 8
The head of Microsoft's Windows division, Steven Sinofsky, is leaving the company with immediate effect - just two weeks after the launch of Windows 8.

Sinofsky, who joined Microsoft in 1989, was one of the company's most senior figures and his sudden departure will come as a shock to the industry.

He was best known for his work with Microsoft Office and was tipped by some as the natural successor to current CEO Steve Ballmer.

Speaking to Reuters, Brendan Barnicle an analyst at Pacific Crest Securities expressed his surprise:
"This is shocking news. This is very surprising," he said. "Like a lot of people, I thought Sinofsky was in line to potentially be Ballmer's successor."

In a statement Mr Ballmer said he was he was grateful for Mr Sinofsky's contributions to the company, but said it was "imperative" to continue to develop Windows 8 and its other products.

He said: "I am grateful for the many years of work that Steven has contributed to the company."
"The products and services we have delivered to the market in the past few months mark the launch of a new era at Microsoft."

Mr Sinofsky said he was "humbled" to have worked for such an "awesome company".
With Mr Sinofsky's departure, Julie Larson-Green has been promoted to head of all Windows software and hardware engineering. Larson-Green previously worked on Microsoft Office, where she was a key figure in the redesign of the software and the introduction of the Office Ribbon.

The business aspect of Windows will be taken on by Tami Reller, who will continue her work as chief financial officer and chief marketing officer.